In my culture we use a wooden mortar and pestle called a woduro ne tapoli. Most people might think this is a simple kitchen tool but to us it’s a symbol of happiness, resilience, and communal life. Families use it to pound fufu, a cassava and plaintian dish. This simple tool gives a sense of community because it takes 2 people to use this and the way you pound it requires great trust. I remember when I went down there 2 years ago and my aunt made me pound fufu. I was doing it so soft and slow because I was scared of hitting her hand  and everyone was telling me to go harder and faster. I went very fast and was acting like I wanted to hit her and everyone started laughing but it wasn't in a judge mental way it was in a warm welcoming way. This simple tool brings people together in ways you can't imagine and that's why I think it's brought down with you when you migrate to a different country.

– EM

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant